A Professor of Magic at Hogwarts

Chapter 85: Cornelius Fudge

Upon the flat, snake-like head of the serpent, a large hole pierced through its skull and upper jaw, leaving only two dark, empty cavities for its eyes.

From the crowd, intermittent gasps of fear and astonishment could be heard.

These wizards ranged from first and second years to sixth and seventh years, yet in the face of the deceased serpent, they couldn't help but swallow nervously.

One young wizard among them voiced the collective curiosity, "Potter and the others fought against this colossal creature? How did they manage?"

No one answered his question.

A Slytherin student couldn't resist moving closer, extending his hand, but an invisible barrier repelled him.

"As Dumbledore mentioned, Flint," a sharp voice interjected. The crowd parted to make way for Professor Flitwick.

Despite his short stature, the young wizards of Hogwarts held great respect for him, for he taught with fervor and treated students from all four houses impartially.

He approached the forefront, circling around the serpent. "A truly rare magical creature, I must say. I believe Hagrid would have adored it."

...

After the class ended, Felix Harp considered for a moment and then decided to go to the courtyard.

Dumbledore had mentioned at last night's banquet that Minister Cornelius Fudge of the Ministry of Magic would be visiting today. Felix intended to observe this person up close.

Rumors painted him as Dumbledore's puppet, devoid of his own opinions. However, Felix did not subscribe to this view. A person skilled in political manipulation, when in a vulnerable position, could be more unscrupulous than the most accomplished sycophant.

He descended the stairs, preparing to cross the hall.

Just then, a distant commotion reached his ears, and a group of seven or eight people approached him.

"Minister Fudge, please come this way," Professor McGonagall led the procession.

Following her was a stout, short middle-aged man. He had a rotund and somewhat anxious appearance, with disheveled gray hair and a worried expression on his face.

His attire was a peculiar mishmash: pinstriped suit, bright red tie, black long cloak, and pointed purple boots. He also held a dark green top hat under his arm.

At a glance, Felix recognized him: Cornelius Fudge, the current Minister for Magic. Following closely behind him was a tall man dressed with a sense of arrogance, presumably one of Fudge's subordinates.

Behind them trailed a middle-aged man with platinum blonde hair, draped in a long black traveling cloak. His face bore an icy, aloof expression that kept people at bay. He held something resembling a wand in his hand.

Observing his distinctive hair color, Felix speculated – perhaps he belonged to the well-known pure-blood family, the Malfoys?

Following the Malfoy was a woman. Felix had actually crossed paths with her before – Rita Skeeter. She had heavily applied makeup and was energetically directing her two assistants, "Seize the moment, seize it! Understand? Take more photos."

The two young men with magical cameras nodded obediently.

Felix couldn't help but chuckle, noting Rita's remarkable composure as a media figure.

Rita Skeeter carried a messenger bag and, after passing through the hall, began to carefully scan her surroundings.

Coincidentally, her gaze locked onto Felix's, and her pupils contracted suddenly. Her steps became hesitant and uncertain.

Trailing behind her, Dumbledore walked slowly, bringing up the rear. He was the tallest among them all. At this moment, his azure eyes were fixed on the scene.

Professor McGonagall noticed Felix ahead and halted, "Ah, Felix. Allow me to introduce you. This is Minister Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic." With a slight huff, she continued, "And these two are Lucius Malfoy and Rita Skeeter."

Professor McGonagall spotted Felix Harp ahead and paused. "Oh, Felix. Allow me to introduce you. This is Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic." Afterward, she let out a light huff, reluctantly saying, "These two are Lucius Malfoy and Rita Skeeter."

Fudge displayed enough enthusiasm, briskly advancing and extending both hands. "Felix Harp, I've heard so much about you. I've heard the French Minister of Magic mention your name on more than one occasion."

Felix discreetly withdrew his hand. "Just wrote a few books, that's all." He kept his gaze on Fudge's eyes, but didn't perceive much enthusiasm there.

He looked at Rita Skeeter and whispered softly, "Rita."

This woman with her exaggerated curls greeted awkwardly, "Hello, Mr. Harp." She wasn't sure if she should pretend not to know him. What if revealing this person's secret led to trouble?

But if Felix Harp hadn't been mistaken, in that instant, both Fudge and Malfoy's gazes subtly shifted.

Truly perceptive... one might say a true player in the world of fame and prestige?

Felix Harp nodded at Malfoy; they had no significant interaction.

However, Lucius Malfoy, with his gray eyes, gazed at him for two seconds, then conjured a reserved smile. He extended his right hand. "Hello, Mr. Harp."

Felix Harp felt surprised. He also extended his hand. "Hello, Mr. Malfoy."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Professor McGonagall resumed leading the way ahead. Felix had quietly maneuvered to the back of the group, walking alongside Dumbledore.

The two remained at the rear, conversing in hushed tones.

"Felix, abusing Legilimency is not proper," Dumbledore blinked, "It will deprive you of much enjoyment and may lead you to grow weary of this world."

"Is this from your own experience?"

"Everyone has their youthful days." Dumbledore didn't provide a direct answer, yet Felix had understood the underlying implication – young people often make mistakes.

So Felix stated, "I am young now, Headmaster Dumbledore. Moreover, I only briefly sensed his true emotions. It aids in better understanding the other person, doesn't it?"

Dumbledore didn't persist with the topic. He asked with genuine interest, "What did you sense?"

"Are you interested in the Minister of Magic's thoughts?" Felix Harp counter-questioned.

"No, Felix. I can see through him perfectly well without Legilimency. Perhaps, this is the only thing I can master without needing to learn actively, even after living for a century."

Felix felt a bit surprised. Shouldn't Dumbledore not be discussing these things with him? When did their relationship become this intimate?

The two fell silent for a while.

As they reached the courtyard, Professor McGonagall was already standing with Fudge and others before the serpent. Felix Harp and Dumbledore didn't push forward; they remained on the outskirts of the crowd.

Hagrid stood awkwardly in a corner. Felix Harp overheard some remarks from the young wizards and grasped the situation.

Just earlier, Hagrid had been pleading with Professor Flitwick to undo the protective magic around the serpent. He wished to experience the charm of these creatures up close...

Is this how magical creatures researchers generally think?

So, Professor Kettleburn has a few seconds left to reach the scene? Felix Harp thought, a bit out of tune.

Allow me to share something with everyone.

Sometimes, the author revises chapters. If it's just a few typos, it won't affect the comments for this section. However, if there are more substantial changes, like if I add a couple of sentences, it might affect the comments for this part.

I've encountered this situation before, so I wanted to clarify.

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